Your major in Communication Studies will provide you with a broad-based understanding of the role that communication plays in a number of different professional paths, including healthcare advocacy, negotiation, human resource management, and consumer rights, among many others. While completing the core courses, you may choose to develop your own program of study, tailoring it to your career goals. Or, you may select to choose one of the three clusters/tracks of study: Negotiation and Dialogue, Culture, Identity, and Relationships, or Rhetoric and Argumentation. Those wishing to pursue this major are strongly encouraged to complete one of three internship opportunities/semesters extended by the Department: The Washington, D.C. Program, the Civic Engagement semester, or the Presidential Campaign semester.
Required Courses
| Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CC 203 | Intercultural Communication | 4 |
| CC 263 | Argument and Advocacy | 4 |
| CC 266 | Conflict and Negotiation | 4 |
|
CC 305 |
Communication Research Methods |
4 |
|
CC 304 |
Strategic Digital Communication |
4 |
|
CC 476 |
Capstone in Communication Studies |
4 |
| Related electives: 20 credits in Communication Studies, including at least one at the 400 level. | 20 |
All Communication Studies majors complete a senior thesis or capstone project.
Suggested Tracks Within the Communication Studies Major:
Rhetoric and Argumentation
Select 20 credits from the following:
| Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CC 210 | Culture, Diversity and Health Communication | 4 |
| CC 214 | Mental health, Media, and Public Policy | 4 |
| CC 220 | Public Discourse in the United States | 4 |
| CC 262 | Professional Communication | 4 |
| CC 265 | Professional Voice and Speech | 4 |
| CC 315 | Introduction to Nonprofit Communications Management | 4 |
| CC 331 | Digital Storytelling | 4 |
| CC 344 | Rhetoric of Social Movements | 4 |
| CC 356 | Crisis Communication | 4 |
| CC 357 | Leadership | 4 |
| CC 361 | Public Diplomacy and Grassroots Activism | 4 |
| CC 372 | Topics in Communication Studies | 4 |
| CC 472 | Advanced Topics in Communication Studies | 4 |
| CC 480 | Rosarito Public Diplomacy Workshop | 4 |
| CC 498 | Directed Study in Communication | 4 |
Culture, Identity, and Relationships
Requirements: 20 credits from the following:
| Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CC 160 | Interpersonal Communication Skills | 4 |
| CC 204 | Communication and Cultural identity in a Global Perspective: The Netherlands | 4 |
| CC 265 | Professional Voice and Speech | 4 |
| CC 290 | Communication and Cultural Immersion: Paris, France | 4 |
| CC 372 | Topics in Communication Studies | 4 |
| CC 416 | Positive Communication | 4 |
| CC 472 | Advanced Topics in Communication Studies | 4 |
| CC 498 | Directed Study in Communication | 4 |
| CC 499 | Internship in Communication | 4 |
| SO 180 | Culture and Power | 4 |
| SO 206 | Gender in a Global Perspective | 4 |
Conflict, Negotiation, and Facilitation
Requirements: 20 credits from the following:
| Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CC 262 | Professional Communication | 4 |
| CC 330 | Management and Communication | 4 |
| CC 356 | Crisis Communication | 4 |
| CC 357 | Leadership | 4 |
| CC 361 | Public Diplomacy and Grassroots Activism | 4 |
| CC 372 | Topics in Communication Studies | 4 |
| CC 415 | Mediation, Facilitation, and Dialogue | 4 |
| CC 416 | Positive Communication | |
| CC 472 | Advanced Topics in Communication Studies | 4 |
| CC 480 | Rosarito Public Diplomacy Workshop | 4 |
| CC 498 | Directed Study in Communication | 4 |
| CC 499 | Internship in Communication | 4 |
